The FBI confirmed this week what I have been saying for a while now. That is, the BCSO is doing an above-average job of clearing crime cases in Bradley County. According to the annual FBI “Crime in the United States” report for the year 2007, the BCSO achieved a crime clearance rate of 48.93 percent last year. The national average is somewhere around 30 percent. This is more evidence that we are operating consistently and effectively above the national average, even with limited resources in many areas.

I credit the good work of our deputies, as well as the fact that we were able to put more patrol deputies on the road by better utilizing existing resources when I first took office. I am fortunate to have a top-notch management team and some of the best patrol deputies in the state. They have done a great job in combating crime. The quick response time of deputies has even resulted in catching more criminals in the act.

And while I’m giving credit to BCSO employees, I want to also include the deputies who work in the jail. Considering the high-stress environment of a jail that houses local, state and federal prisoners, we have very few problems. The citizens of Bradley County can consider themselves fortunate to have such high-level, professional law enforcement personnel on the job.

I am also pleased to tell you that the Tennessee Comptroller’s annual state audit of the BCSO has returned another positive report. The state auditors are comprehensive in their scope and attention to detail, going through our books with a fine tooth comb. We welcome them each year and do all we can to accommodate them. I am glad to say there were no adverse findings again this year. I have been adamant about operating the Sheriff’s Office in the open. We have been consistently transparent in our town hall meetings, web site, pod casts and open-door policy. The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office is probably the most transparent operation in the county and we will continue to be accessible and accountable throughout the coming year.

If there are any non-profit, charitable or public service organizations that would like to have benefit of our very successful Inmate Work Program, contact us here at the Justice Center. Not only is this program a great benefit to the environment and big savings to taxpayers, it is also a morale builder for the inmates themselves. Many of the people incarcerated in the jail are appreciative of an opportunity to give something back to the community rather than languishing in a small cell. The program allows them to get out into the fresh air and use their time constructively. And some can even earn credits which go toward off-setting their sentences. I will speak more about the program next week, but it is just another positive way the BCSO is serving the citizens of Bradley County.

The next couple of weeks will see many people on the road, visiting friends and family around the region, the state and the country. It is a blessing to spend time with loved ones and I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. While I do not personally advocate drinking because of the potential of abuse, alcoholism and other negative ramifications, I understand many people do indulge in alcoholic beverages. If you are one of them, do not attempt to drive while drinking. I can promise you now that receiving jail time and a DUI on your record will definitely ruin your holidays.